The European Commissioner for Agriculture, Phil Hogan, announced on Monday 14 October in Luxembourg that his department will set up a private storage scheme for the olive oil sector, which is currently in difficulty.
“The current situation in the olive oil sectors is at the top of the Commission's list of concerns”, Phil Hogan said during a debate at the ‘Agriculture’ Committee about the market situation. Prices in Spain are very low.
European olive oil production next season is expected to reach 2.1 million tonnes, which is close to its average level. “But this is not enough to reduce the high stocks accumulated in recent years”, Mr Hogan admitted. The US government has decided to impose customs duties on Spanish exports of bottled olive oil and green olives.
Regarding private storage aid for olive oil, the Commission will take “a decision very soon”, he concluded.
Italy referred to the damage caused by the brown marmorated stink bug in fruit and vegetable crops and asserted that the crisis measures available are not sufficient to remedy the problem.
Mr Hogan also pointed out that the pigmeat market in the EU is performing well and that the market for milk remains well balanced.
Ireland referred to pressures on the livestock sector (Brexit, EU/Mercosur agreement). Spain also mentioned trade tensions with the United States.
France once again drew attention to the real risks of market destabilisation. “We can no longer continue trade negotiations with non-Member States without knowing the repercussions on the agricultural sector”, warned the French minister. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)